Supports for Native American Students

In NVUSD, the grant funds have been used for tutoring. This year, funds will contribute to a contract with Sylvan Learning Centers, as well as support an assistant one day a week to help coordinate communications, meetings, and placement.

In addition to academic services, NVUSD is fortunate to have a strong partner in The Suscol Intertribal Council. Suscol provides cultural workshops and activities at its headquarters, located at 575 Lincoln Ave., Suite 215.

In addition to tutoring, Sylvan Learning Centers offers a number of programs including SAT prep for high school students, advanced enrichment opportunities, and workshops for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Students are eligible for these services if they are members of a tribe or band, or are descendants of Native Americans in the first or second degree (parent or grandparent).

Evidence of eligibility includes:

• Name of the tribe or band to which the child claims membership (or to which the parent/grandparent belong)

• The enrollment number establishing membership (if available) and

  • Names, addresses of the organization which maintains records of membership or

  • Any other form of documentation which serves as evidence of membership in a tribe or band

Each federally recognized tribe or band, has a Tribal Constitution which sets forth the terms of membership in the tribe or band. Every tribe is unique. Some terms of membership are as simple as writing a letter to the leaders of the tribe, identifying ancestral links to the tribe. Other tribes require blood (DNA) analysis, with a certain percentage minimum to belong to the tribe.

In NVUSD, we are prepared to assist families who do not have proof of eligibility.